I recently had the unfortunate experience of having to say goodbye to my dear, sweet dog, Anniemae. After more than 16 years of companionship, she passed on. A sad event to be sure, but she was one of the best; friendly, gentle with everyone, and patient.

When Mae (as we called her) was a pup, her favorite things, like most dogs, were chasing squirrels and going for walks and rides. She was accomplished at a handful of human tricks and enjoyed mock fighting. As she got older, her hearing faded and her eyes began to show signs of cataracts but she remained sweet and loyal as she ever had been.

Her tricks were limited to “shake hands” and her mock fighting was more like opening her mouth and turning her head from side to side. But she seemed to like the interaction. Walks got to be too much of a burden but she was still up for a ride, especially if it meant going to one of the local businesses that keep dog treats on hand. She knew them by heart; the hardware store, the bank, and some drive through restaurants.

Mae was a mix of mostly, we were told, Australian Shepherd and Red Heeler. We picked her up at what was then the City of Burnet dog pound. The city no longer uses its facility as a pound, but rather as a holding facility until impounded animals can be taken to the Hill Country Humane Society (HCHS) in Buchanan Dam.

The city recently upgraded the holding facility to bring it into compliance with state regulations so that it can continue to be used; however, it is only meant to be used as a temporary facility. Now animals collected there are taken to the HCHS for necessary action, which may include medical treatment, care, and ultimately either returning them to their owners or finding new owners for them. The facility can house more than 100 animals and is perpetually at capacity.

HCHS does a fantastic job, but like most non-profits, they are very cognizant of every dime they gather together. Keeping a facility like HCHS is a major undertaking. They depend not only on the cities and counties that provide monetary support but also on the kindness of others who are willing to donate both time and/or money to keep the standard of care where it should be.

Donations can be made directly to the facility or by dropping dollars in the many donation boxes found around town. Volunteers, including the board of directors, supplement the few paid staff that the facility can afford to employee.

“Volunteers are our life blood” says board president Dr. Dan McBride. They help care for the animals, reunite pets with their owners, set up adoption outreach opportunities and research possible placement for animals who are unable to be returned to their owners or immediately adopted.

For example, sometimes an animal can be moved to an organization that specializes in placement of a particular breed. Doing so is likely to increase the probability of placement. They leave no stone unturned and try and find homes for the animals they take in.

In order to help raise funds for the facility, the Hill Country Humane Society’s third annual Wags and Whiskers Gala will be held at Escondido Golf & Lake Club on Thursday, Sept. 27, at 6:30 p.m. There will be raffle prizes, a silent auction, live music and outstanding food and beverage. It is a great way to have a wonderful evening in a beautiful location while helping the local animal shelter. For reservations, or to donate toward the raffle or auction, or to make a cash donation, please call Karen Moore at 830-598-7800.

Your participation will be very much appreciated. Who knows, you may be responsible for bringing together a family and their own sweet Anniemae.